How to open HEIC files on Windows 11

Nowadays, High Efficiency Image File (HEIC) files are quite common as phone manufacturers prefer this format over the old video and image file formats. This is because of its ability for maintaining quality while reducing the file size relatively. So, how to open HEIC files on Windows 11? If you try to open the HEIC file without appropriate codec support, you will come across something like this on your screen:

To view such files, users can either use built-in apps in Windows 11 or employ third-party applications. In this post, we are going to discuss some of the best methods to do so. Now, let’s get started without further ado!

How to open HEIC files on Windows 11

Method 1: Using Native Tools for Opening HEIC Files

To view HEIC files on Windows 11, users can make use of the native tools of Windows. This includes the Photos application. However, in order to open such files, you need to have the HEIF and HEVC codec files installed on your system.

While most systems have the HEIF codec files, they lack the HEVC codec support. Both of these codec files are required for opening HEIC files. Now, check out the steps to download HEIF and HEVC codec files!

How to Add HEIF Codec Support

1. In order to download the HEIF codec support, open Microsoft Store from the Start tab or search for it.

2. Once opened, type HEIF in the search column and then, select HEIF Image Extensions.

3. To download the application, click on the Get tab.

Now, you will be able to install it on your Windows 11 system. However, you also need to download and install the HEVC code.

How to Add HEVC Codec Support

1. Open Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.

2. In the Search column, type HEVC and then, choose HEVC Video Extensions from the search results.

3. Now, click on the Buy tab for getting the HEVC Video Extensions. Please note that it is a paid application.

4. Once made the payment, you will be able to download and install the codec support on your system.

After you have installed both HEIF and HEVC code support, you can open HEIC or HEVC files hassle-free.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Tool for Opening HEIC files

If you do not like to spend money for viewing HEIC files, then it is recommended to use a third-party tool. There are a lot of third-party software available out there. One such tool is CopyTrans. You can download and install this tool from its official website. The best thing about this tool is that it uses Windows Photo Viewer to open HEIC files. Thus, it feels like offering native support.

So, these are two ways to view HEIC files on Windows 11 PC.

Read next: How to Show Hidden Files in Windows 11.